Volunteers Descend on STARS Offi ce

VOLUNTEERS DESCEND ON STARS OFFICE

STARS hosted its 4th Volunteer Training Day on Saturday 12th November 2005. The event was well attended with about 20 volunteers who had travelled from far and wide, each one of them ready to get involved and full of positive enthusiasm. The usual warm welcome from the STARS team was received. The morning session of the day focussed every one on developing the use of the volunteer, whilst continuing to ensure that both the needs of STARS and the needs of the volunteer are met. This was summarised well with a variety of volunteer vacancies being identified, for which every one could apply. A hearty lunch of sandwiches and crisps was provided before entering into the afternoon session. This concentrated on the STARS 5 year plan. It took the shape of a recognised Strategic Plan used by most companies, businesses and charities. It contained 5 main components: A Vision for 2020. A Mission Statement Challenging Goals for 2010 Specific Objectives for 2006 Core Values The document is now in the process of being finalised. Arrhythmia Awareness Week 2006 is the perfect opportunity for volunteers to pull together and be heard. More information about this will follow. If anyone is interested in the current volunteer vacancies or would like more information about becoming a volunteer for STARS, please contact trudie@stars.org.uk or telephone the free phone number 0800 028 6362. You will really make a difference.

Sarah Boxall

Fundraising

Fundraising thanks to..

P A Aston, P Bennett, M Bentley, J Budden, Burydale Junior School, C Conroy, P Fairweather, J Fear, NatWest Charities, A Pettengell, M Pilkington, C Reid, Solihull Indoor Bowls Club, J Strevens, J Thom, M Tirraoro, A Trowman, S Walters, D Warner.

What a fab girlie night a group of us had at a Virgin Vie party in Northern Ireland. It was hosted by my sister, Michelle, in aid of STARS. There was a raffle where my hairdresser, who is the Northern Ireland Hairdresser of the Year for the third time, donated a voucher for a cut and blow dry - everyone was desperate to win this! It was very exciting and the winner was extremely pleased!! There was also the usual wine and chocs to be won.

The raffle made £125 and sales came to over £700, making a commission of £110 for STARS. The final total raised was £527, due to a very generous donation. This was more than I ever expected considering there were only ten of us. It certainly raised awareness and I am holding my own party for STARS in February.

Above is a picture of the two winners, Diane Conlon who won the Shane Bennet voucher and Sonya Comisky, winner of the Virgin Vie jewellery.

Owning your own Defi brillator

Did you know it is now possible to have your own automatic defi brillator at home? The technology behind automatic external defi brillators has now developed to the point where private individuals can safely and easily use a defi brillator to help save the life of some one suffering from sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). A home defi brillator will talk you through the whole resuscitation process and will not deliver a shock unless the machine confi rms the patient is suffering from SCA. Home defi billators are about the same size and weight as a hardback book.

Cathrine Reid, Northern Ireland Cathrine Reid, Northern Ireland

£2 £2BN BN OF SANTA’S PRESENTS DUMPED! OF SANTA’S PRESENTS DUMPED!

It was reported in the Daily Express that up to one in seven Christmas presents will be thrown out, resold or given to charity in a £2billion clear out after the decorations come down. If you have Christmas Presents that are unwanted, why not donate them to STARS so we can raise much need funds through raffles and other activities